Harley-Davidson Sprint: Hero Alliance Now Targets Global Market

• Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp plan to expand their partnership to develop entry-level models for global sales
• The first model of this offensive is the Harley-Davidson Sprint, with a market launch still expected in 2026
• The X440 and Hero Mavrick combined sold 14,375 units in the last fiscal year

Harley-Davidson is expanding its partnership with Indian two-wheeler giant Hero MotoCorp. The focus is on jointly developing entry-level models and cruisers that will be manufactured in India and subsequently sold outside the Indian market as well. The Harley-Davidson Sprint is considered the first model of this expanded partnership, with a market launch still expected this year. For the US manufacturer, the initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at stabilizing sales figures that have been declining for years.

What Are Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp Planning Together?

Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp intend to jointly develop and build entry-level performance motorcycles and cruisers in India for global distribution. A series of new model introductions is planned for the current fiscal year, with which both companies aim to strengthen their position in the premium segment. According to industry insiders, some of these models are set to be exported to emerging markets for the first time, though specific target markets have not yet been named.

Harley-Davidson confirmed the plans in a brief statement, describing Hero as an important partner with whom it continues to work on expanding access to the brand in key markets. The company did not provide detailed information about the planned products. Hero CEO Harshavardhan Chitale confirmed that additional Harley models are coming this year but left open whether they would also be sold internationally. On the question of overseas sales, he stated: “The Hero-Harley collaboration doesn’t restrict sales to India only. If Harley finds suitability for the product in its global markets, it can take it from Hero to sell elsewhere; that decision rests with Harley.

What Role Does the Harley-Davidson Sprint Play?

The Harley-Davidson Sprint is considered the first model of the expanded partnership and is expected to launch this year. Additional products are set to follow in the coming months. It remains unclear what technical platform the Sprint will be based on.

In particular, it is uncertain whether the model will adopt the platform of the already available X440 or be built on a new, jointly developed architecture. There are also no confirmed details regarding displacement or engine configuration. Reports mention the possibility that the Sprint could either use the X440’s 440 cc engine or receive a larger powerplant. None of this has been confirmed.

Why Does Harley-Davidson Manufacture in India?

Harley-Davidson uses India as a production and development base because high import duties had long made it difficult to sell imported motorcycles there. The manufacturer opened a plant in Bawal in northern India in 2011 but shut down its own production in the country in 2019 due to weak sales and persistent losses. In 2020, a licensing and distribution agreement with Hero MotoCorp followed, covering sales, service, as well as joint development and manufacturing of motorcycles.

The first joint product was the X440, a 440 cc model positioned in India against the dominant 350 cc class from Royal Enfield. The entry price is approximately 235,000 rupees (around 2,300 euros / 2,480 US dollars). Hero sells the Mavrick, its own variant on the same technical platform. Together, both models sold 14,375 units in the last fiscal year, representing a share of approximately eleven percent in the 350 to 500 cc class. This places the duo behind Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield in third place. To further expand, Hero MotoCorp is specifically gearing its plant in Neemrana, Rajasthan, toward premium motorcycles. In parallel, the network of dedicated premium showrooms is growing, now encompassing over 130 locations according to the company, with further expansion planned.

What Does the Trade Agreement Between India and the US Mean?

The trade agreement between India and the US primarily affects imported large-displacement motorcycles and should be distinguished from the Indian production of entry-level models. As part of the trade rapprochement, import duties on US-built Harley models with displacements between 800 and 1,600 cc, which were previously subject to high tariffs, are being eliminated.

For the entry-level models developed jointly with Hero, such as the X440 or the upcoming Sprint, this tariff elimination is not initially decisive since these motorcycles are built in India. However, both developments complement each other. Imported large models can now serve as duty-free flagship image carriers, while the locally manufactured, smaller models are expected to deliver volume and attract new buyer demographics. In many Asian markets, large-displacement motorcycles account for only a small share of the overall market, which is why a broader model range is becoming increasingly important for the manufacturer.

How Is Harley-Davidson Doing Financially?

Harley-Davidson is under financial pressure and is responding with a product-driven strategy internally called “Back to Bricks.” According to the company, global retail sales declined by 40 percent between 2019 and 2025, margins fell by 18 percent during this period, and dealer profitability deteriorated by 80 percent.

To counter this, Harley-Davidson plans to introduce 20 new models and variants based on existing platforms over the next three years, thereby lowering the barrier to entry. CEO Artie Starrs presented the plans to investors last month. Accompanying this, a new vehicle architecture designated RIDE is to be developed, designed to underpin multiple models and offer more modern technology. The expanded partnership with Hero MotoCorp fits into this strategy, in which India is gaining importance both as a sales market and as a manufacturing base for exports.

➜ This article is part of our comprehensive overview: New Motorcycles 2026: All Models, Releases, and Highlights at a Glance. Find all key information on this topic in one place.

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